Governor Greg Abbott has signed three new bills into law aimed at improving safety at Texas summer camps and addressing flood risks across the state. The signing took place at the Governor’s Mansion, with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Senator Charles Perry, Representative Drew Darby, families affected by past camp tragedies, and other officials present.
“As camper parents, Cecilia and I know the powerful role that camps can play in the lives of our children,” said Governor Abbott. “We know the anxious anticipation to see your child again after dropping her off at camp. Every child who goes to camp should come home to their families, and no parent should ever have to outlive their child or endure this kind of loss. Today we are doing more than just changing campgrounds in Texas, we are changing the future for our children.”
The legislation includes House Bill 1 (the Youth CAMPER Act), Senate Bill 1 (the Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act), and Senate Bill 3. These measures introduce new requirements for youth camps such as installing emergency systems, conducting staff training on evacuation procedures, and establishing a Youth Camp Safety team.
House Bill 1 requires youth camps to develop and update emergency plans each year, train staff members, inform campers about safety protocols, notify parents about floodplain risks with a signed acknowledgment form, and share these plans with local emergency services. The Department of State Health Services is tasked with enforcing these rules through inspections and licensing actions.
Senate Bill 1 prohibits the licensing of youth camps located in FEMA-designated floodplains unless specific exceptions apply. It also mandates annual emergency training and planning for camps, creates an online registry of licensed youth camps in Texas, and extends certain safety standards to campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks.
Senate Bill 3 establishes a grant program within the Office of the Governor to provide financial assistance for cities, counties, and government entities seeking to install early-warning sirens in areas susceptible to flash flooding.
Following the event, Governor Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott met privately with families impacted by previous incidents at Texas summer camps.
